Police investigating fraudulent charges made on EDA account

Winchester police are investigating after fraudulent charges were made using the City’s Economic Development Authority’s bank account.

The EDA was notified by BB&T bank that someone had attempted to cash a fraudulent check for $700 in Florida about three weeks ago. Shortly after, someone attempted to use the EDA’S checking account to pay a $500 cable bill.

Director of Development Services Shawn Hershberger says the bank quickly contacted the authority and shut down the account, ensuring no money was ultimately stolen.

Hershberger stresses that the incident is not related to the on-going EDA scandals in Warren County.

“This was your typical, I guess bank fraud that somehow our account was compromised,” Hershberger said. “Just an unfortunate event that unfortunately happens to a lot of people.”

He adds it is likely the fraudulent charges originated outside of the United States.

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